Double World Para Athletics Championships gold medallist Akeem Stewart returned home yesterday after his successful stint at the 2017 World Para Athletics Championships which concluded at the Olympic Stadium in London, England on Sunday.
Stewart was welcome home by Ronson Hackshaw, Assistant Director, Physical Education and Sport in the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs.
In an address to the contingent Hackshaw congratulated the team which also comprised bronze medallist, sprinter Nyoshia Cain, who will return home at a later date, on an outstanding performance.
He also noted that this was a historic moment as the athletes were able to capture two gold medals, one bronze medal, and achieve two new world records. He applauded the coaches, supporters and the management team of the T&T Paralympic Committee for their dedicated time and service in helping the athletes achieve success.
He urged them to continue to make our country and citizens proud and aim for the highest level of success in their respective disciplines. Sudhir Ramessar, president of the T&T Paralympic Committee extended thanks to the country for the continued support of their athletes, referring to them as “world class athletes who continue to excel against the odds.”
Stewart, world record holder expressed his gratitude to God, his sponsors and his team members for their support and the ability to make it all happen. He reiterated that it was a dream come through although he went to the Championship with high expectations, he didn’t expect to surpass those expectations in the disciplines in which he participated.
Overall, the team returned with three medals. Stewart won gold in the Men’s F44 javelin throw and men’s shot put F44 final breaking both world records and Cain, who won a bronze medal in the women’s 100m T44 sprint final.
The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs joins the nation in extending congratulations and sincere appreciation to our athletes who excelled at the World Para Athletics Championships.